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Line 116: − + + + − + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − + + + − === Samana ===+ − Samana which literally means the "balancing air," moves from the periphery to the center through a churning and discerning action. It aids in digestion on all levels. Samana works in the gastrointestinal tract to digest food, in the lungs to digest air or absorb oxygen, and in the mind to homogenize and digest experiences, whether sensory, emotional or mental. Samana is the vital energy in the navel, where our energy is centered and where digestion occurs.+ + + + − + + + + + Line 190:
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Adding reference points - to be edited
== पञ्चप्राणाः ॥ Five Pranas ==
== पञ्चप्राणाः ॥ Five Pranas ==
The one primary Prana divides into five types according to its movement and direction. These five pranas are called vayus or powers of air. They represent the five types of energy that human beings possess and through which all the universe operates.
The one sustaining force known as Prana Shakti assumes five fields collectively known as Pancha Pranas to anable the body accomplish various functions. The fivefold division of Prana, based on its movement and direction, have been termed as Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana and Vyana by the seers. These five pranas are also known as Prana vayus or powers of air. They represent the five types of energy that human beings possess and through which all the universe operates.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
The five pranas are responsible for creation and existence at the individual level. In the human beings, they are created by the fourth month of development in the womb. And as the five physical pranas become active with the formation of the body, the soul enters the new body as a result of this pranic activity. The five pranas also maintain the balance between the physical and mental levels.<ref name=":1" />
=== Prana ===
=== Prana ===
Prana which literally means the "forward moving air," moves inward. It governs reception of all types from the eating of food, drinking of water and inhalation of air to the reception of sensory impressions and mental experiences. Prana is propulsive in nature, setting things in motion and guiding them. It provides the basic energy that drives us in life. Prana is the vital energy in the head, primarily the region of the third eye, which nourishes the brain. It provides positive energy for all the other pranas.
Prana is the first of the Pancha Pranas. It is also known as Sthula (gross) Prana to differentiate it from the all-pervasive vital force.<ref name=":1" />
Prana which literally means the "forward moving air," moves inward. It governs reception of all types from the eating of food, drinking of water and inhalation of air to the reception of sensory impressions and mental experiences. Prana is propulsive in nature, setting things in motion and guiding them. It provides the basic energy that drives us in life. Prana is the vital energy in the head, primarily the region of the third eye, which nourishes the brain. It provides positive energy for all the other pranas.<ref name=":0" />
Physical level : Sthoola prana refers to the energy currents located in the thoracic region between the diaphragm and the base of the neck. It is the centre of circulation of life energy. This force maintains the heart and lungs, and all the activities in the chest region such as breathing, swallowing and circulation of blood.
Pranayama in particular raises the level of this prana and prevents congestion of blood in the arteries around the heart. When sthoola prana is strong, the heart does not become weak; one does not suffer from high or low blood pressure, and thus lives longer.
Among the fivefold pranas, it occupies the pivotal position and controls the other four. Infact, this force is so essential that if its activity is obstructed or ceases for any reason, death may occur.
Subtle level : At the level of mind, prana is responsible for the intake of impressions and ideas. Prana energizes all the koshas and is active all the time. When the force of prana is strong and flowing uninterruptedly, purer qualities of the heart, such as strength, courage and greatness are expressed. This prana is the energy by which one-pointedness of mind and intuitive knowledge can be experienced. It holds the intelligent energy of the soul, which abides in the heart.
By enhancing this prana, the yogis reach the soul.<ref name=":1" /> In the Brihadaranyaha Upanishad (3:7:16), it is said:
यः प्राणे तिष्ठन् प्राणादन्तरो यं प्राणो न वेद यस्य प्राणः शरीरं यः प्राणमन्तरो यमयति एष त आत्मान्तर्याम्यमृतः ॥ ३,७.१६ ॥<ref>Brhadaranyaka Upanishad, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95_%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D_3p Adhyaya 3]</ref>
The intelligent soul is placed in prana, inside the prana, it pervades the prana, yet the non-intelligent are unaware of it. Prana itself has become the body of the chief master, who controls it from the inside. Thus the soul is immutable, indestructible and immortal.
Prana is the guide and medium for realization of the soul. When meditating on the heart centre, the identification with prana is most intense; one feels as if one has become prana.<ref name=":1" />
=== Apana ===
=== Apana ===
Apana which literally means the "air that moves away," moves downward and outward. It governs the elimination of the stool and the urine, the expelling of semen, menstrual fluid and the fetus, and the elimination of carbondioxide through the breath. On a deeper level, apana rules the elimination of negative sensory, emotional and mental experiences. It is the basis of our immune function on all levels. Apana is the vital energy in the lower abdomen that Yoga and Ayurveda allows for elimination and reproduction.
Apana, which literally means the "air that moves away," moves downward and outward.<ref name=":0" />
At the Physical level, Apana operates in the pelvic region between the navel and the perineum. It governs the elimination of the stool and the urine, the expelling of semen, menstrual fluid and the fetus, and the elimination of carbondioxide through the breath. It sustains the functions of the kidneys, bladder, bowels, excretory and reproductive organs.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />
At the Subtle level, Apana assists in the awakening of kundalini force that lies within its periphery. Thus, Mahaprana is experienced in the region of Apana. Control of apana is also control of the sexual instinct and the instilling of brahm-acharya.<ref name=":1" />
On a deeper level, apana rules the elimination of negative sensory, emotional and mental experiences. It is the basis of our immune function on all levels. Apana is the vital energy in the lower abdomen that Yoga and Ayurveda allows for elimination and reproduction.<ref name=":0" />
=== Samana ===
Samana which literally means the "balancing air," moves from the periphery to the center through a churning and discerning action. The word samana is derived from the root saman, meaning 'equal' or 'balanced'. Thus it acts as a balancer or equalizer for the two opposite forces of prana and apana.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
At the physical level, Samana operates between the navel and the diaphragm. It activates and maintains the digestive organs and their secretions, and is responsible for metabolism. It is associated with the digestive fire, jatharagni.<ref name=":1" />
Infact, it aids in digestion on all levels. Samana works in the gastrointestinal tract to digest food, in the lungs to digest air or absorb oxygen, and in the mind to homogenize and digest experiences, whether sensory, emotional or mental.<ref name=":0" />
Samana is the vital energy in the navel, where our energy is centered and where digestion occurs. There are six major organs of digestion: liver, stomach, duodenum, spleen, and the small and large intestines, and all fall within the field of samana. The body receives its life support and healthy nourishment by the agency of samana. The distinctive feature of samana is that although it is a single force, it is capable of different activities in all these different organs.
At the subtle level, Samana maintains the cohesion and balance between the koshas. It is subtle in comparison to apana and gross in comparison to prana. Just as it helps digest food, samana is also responsible for digesting the mind-stuff.<ref name=":1" />
=== Udana ===
=== Udana ===
Udana which literally means the "upward moving air," moves upward the qualitative or transformative movements of the life-energy. It governs growth of the body, the ability to stand, speech, effort, enthusiasm and will. Udana is our main positive energy unfoldment in life through which we can develop our different bodies and evolve in consciousness. Udana is the vital energy in the throat that governs speech and self-expression and holds the head up through the neck.
Udana which literally means the "upward moving air," moves upward the qualitative or transformative movements of the life-energy. It governs growth of the body, the ability to stand, speech, effort, enthusiasm and will. Udana is our main positive energy unfoldment in life through which we can develop our different bodies and evolve in consciousness. Udana is the vital energy in the throat that governs speech and self-expression and holds the head up through the neck.<ref name=":0" />
At the physical level, Udaana operates in the extremities: the arms, legs, neck and head. This prana is responsible for all the sensory organs,jnanendri-yas, and the organs of action, karmendriyas. It coordinates and controls the movements of the legs, arms and neck and directs the activities of the brain and sensory organs that are situated in the head region. These include: eyes, vision; ears, hearing; tongue, taste; nose, smell; skin, tactile sensation. The organs of action controlled by udana are three: hands, feet and speech. The other two, the excretory and reproductive organs, are under the control of apana.
Udana also assists prana in inhalation and exhalation, intake of food and drink, as well as vomiting, spitting and swallowing saliva. All the functions of the throat and mouth are sustained by udana.
Udana sustains the sense organs and their activities. The enjoyment of senses keeps udana active, because it functions according to their needs. The force of udana keeps the body upright; it is responsible for anti-gravitational activities of the body (particularly by the hands and the feet).
At the subtle level, Udana allows one to perform positive mental work. It is responsible for sweet, melodious and impressive speech. Udana pervades ajna, bindu and sahasrara chakras. It brings energy up the koshas from the gross to the subtle. When the yogi fixes his attention on udana, he becomes free from hunger, thirst, sleep and drowsiness. The activity of udana becomes extremely slow and subtle during meditation and samadhi.<ref name=":1" />
=== Vyana ===
=== Vyana ===
Vyana which literally means the "outward moving air," moves from the center to the periphery. It governs circulation on all levels. Vyana moves the food, water and oxygen throughout the body and keeps our emotions and thoughts circulating in the mind, imparting movement and providing strength. In doing so it assists all the other pranas in their work. Vyana is the vital energy in the heart and lungs, where our energy expands.
Vyana which literally means the "outward moving air," moves from the center to the periphery. It governs circulation on all levels. Vyana moves the food, water and oxygen throughout the body and keeps our emotions and thoughts circulating in the mind, imparting movement and providing strength. In doing so it assists all the other pranas in their work. Vyana is the vital energy in the heart and lungs, where our energy expands.<ref name=":0" />
At the physical level, Vyana pervades the whole body and acts as reserve energy. It helps all the other pranas when they require an extra boost. When one overexerts and feels extremely tired, a rush of energy comes, which enables one to continue. This 'second wind' is the vyana experience. Vyana also regulates and coordinates all the muscular move-ments, aids in sending impulses to different parts of the body, and causes the flow of perspiration and gooseflesh. Vyana causes all the pranas, major and minor, to function by being their accessory.
At the subtle level, Vyana brings about circulation through all the five koshas and is responsible for their differentiation. It pervades the spatial element in the body, and is the vehicle of consciousness through the body.<ref name=":1" />
=== Pancha Pranas and the Physical Body ===
=== Pancha Pranas and the Physical Body ===
=== Pancha Pranas and Siddhis ===
=== Pancha Pranas and Siddhis ===
Yogic literature speaks of various siddhis or psychic powers. These relate primarily to the subtle body and its pranas, as subtle matter is totally malleable. The subtle udana or upwardmoving air allows one to become as light as one likes, including the ability to levitate (laghima) . The subtle apana or downward- moving air enables us to become as heavy or as stable as we wish (garima). The subtle vyana or expansive air allows us to become as large as we like, to expand endlessly (mahima). The subtle samana or contracting air allows us to become as small as we like, to be perfectly concentrated (anima). The primary prana itself allows us to gain whatever we wish (prapti).<ref name=":0" />
Yogic literature speaks of various siddhis or psychic powers. These relate primarily to the subtle body and its pranas, as subtle matter is totally malleable. The subtle udana or upwardmoving air allows one to become as light as one likes, including the ability to levitate (laghima) . The subtle apana or downward- moving air enables us to become as heavy or as stable as we wish (garima). The subtle vyana or expansive air allows us to become as large as we like, to expand endlessly (mahima). The subtle samana or contracting air allows us to become as small as we like, to be perfectly concentrated (anima). The primary prana itself allows us to gain whatever we wish (prapti).<ref name=":0" />
Refer:
http://www.yogamag.net/archives/1980s/1982/8205/8205pran.html
http://www.yogamag.net/archives/1990s/1996/9609/9609pran.html
https://www.dlshq.org/download2/pranayama.pdf
https://hara-hara-mahadev.blogspot.com/2009/09/hymn-to-prana.html
https://veda.harekrsna.cz/encyclopedia/prana.htm
Primary text reference:
Chandogya Upanishad
Kathopanishad
Mundaka Upanishad
Prashna Upanishad
Sub-topics:
Prana in Hatha Yoga, Tantra and Ayurveda.
== References ==
== References ==